Teachers' unions threaten nationwide strike over unmet demands

The Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (Kuppet) has issued notices for a nationwide strike to begin on August 26, 2024. The union said on Thursday that it is responding to what they described as the government's failure to meet key demands, including the full implementation of the 2021-2025 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).

Kuppet's Secretary General, Akello Misori, announced the union's decision after a meeting of its National Governing Council (NGC) at the Kasarani Gymnasium. Misori cited the government's decision to reduce the budget of the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) by Sh10.2 billion as a major point of contention. This reduction has delayed the second phase of the CBA implementation, which was meant to increase teachers' salaries and benefits.

According to Misori, teachers have not received their promised salary increments for July 2024. He also expressed concern over the lack of promotions for teachers, which he said had been delayed due to the budget cuts. Misori argued that the government's actions have left teachers in a difficult position, with no guarantee of improved working conditions or fair compensation.

Kuppet also raised concerns about the status of teachers' medical insurance coverage. Misori noted that many hospitals have stopped honouring the medical schemes provided to teachers, leaving them without adequate healthcare. He blamed the TSC for failing to address this issue and for not engaging in negotiations for a new CBA to succeed the current one.

"Our medical cover is enhanced because it is only teachers who do not have group life cover while all other public servants are enjoying group life cover. It is unfortunate and this is something which must happen," he said.

Knut is also planning to join the strike. The union's National Executive Council (NEC) is scheduled to meet to finalise its participation in the industrial action. Knut, like Kuppet, has accused the government of failing to honour its commitments under the current CBA and of neglecting the welfare of teachers.

The unions' planned strike follows months of tension between the teachers and the government. On August 7, 2024, both unions criticised the Teachers Service Commission for allegedly rescinding past agreements and failing to meet the terms of the CBA. They warned that the government's inaction could lead to widespread disruption in public schools.

TSC CEO Nancy Macharia had previously acknowledged the budget cuts during a meeting with the Departmental Committee on Education in May 2024. She informed the committee that the cuts would delay the implementation of the second phase of the CBA, which had been allocated Sh10 billion. She warned that this delay could lead to strikes and legal action by the unions.

The Departmental Committee on Education, chaired by Julius Melly, expressed concern over the potential for industrial unrest. Melly's report noted that teachers would not receive the salary increments envisioned in the CBA due to the budget cuts. He urged the government to allocate the necessary funds to avoid further disruption in the education sector.

Misori advised parents not to send their children to school on August 26, 2024. He warned that there would be no teachers in schools if the government did not meet the unions' demands.

"Any parent sending the children to school on August 26, 2024, will be doing so at their peril because there will be no teachers in school," he said.

The strike, if it proceeds, will likely cause significant disruption in public schools across the country.